I’ve stooped for just a moment just when I hear it. I have to cock my head around to the side to be sure, but there it is again. Rue’s four-note tune coming out of a mockingjay’s mouth. The one that mean’s she’s all right. I grin and move in the direction of the bird. Another just a short distance ahead, picks up a handful of notes. Rue has been singing to them, and recently. Otherwise they’d have take up some other song. My eyes lift up into the trees, searching for a sign for her. I swallow and sing softly back, hoping she’ll know it’s safe to join me. A mockingjay repeats the melody to me. And that’s when I hear the scream.
